Background: Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO) is a chronic, often progressive disease, which can lead to phimosis and urethral stenosis, affecting both urinary and sexual function. Steroid creams are usually the first-line treatment but have a limited role and surgical intervention is frequently necessary. Conservative surgical procedures (circumcision) are often preferred in the first instance with the premise that recurrence of disease will require a more definitive reconstruction. This study looked at patients with pathologically proven BXO referred to the Plastic Surgery Unit at James Cook University Hospital between 2005 and 2009. The aim was to look at their management in the past and subsequent management by us. We also looked at whether early referral of progressive and recurrent BXO patients to reconstructive surgery could have prevented unnecessary delay in resolving symptoms at an earlier stage. Materials and Methods: Data was collected retrospectively and information regarding the exact anatomical location affected, the extent of the disease, the referring specialty and any previous surgical interventions was obtained. Alterations in urinary and sexual function and relief of symptoms following reconstructive surgery were analysed. Results: Of the 23 patients in the study, 43% had previous surgery and 60% of those had undergone two or more procedures. Twenty-one percent of patients had a history of BXO for over five years. Forty-seven percent of patients had alteration in their urinary function and 48% alteration in their sexual function due to the disease, prior to referral. Early results showed remarkable improvement in urinary and sexual function following reconstructive surgery in this group. Conclusions: Steroid creams have been shown to limit the progression of the disease but do not offer a cure in the majority of cases. Circumcision can be a curative procedure in early disease. Although there is conflicting evidence for treatment of recurring urethral strictures, repeated urethrotomy or urethral dilatation has poor long-term outcome. In patients with recurrent disease and associated complications we propose early referral to a plastic surgeon with genitourinary interest or reconstructive urologist for definitive treatment.

Objective: Hand burns are common injuries. Children frequently sustain burn injuries, especially to their hands. Contractures are a common sequel of severe burns around joints. The prepuce, or foreskin, has been used as a skin graft for a number of indications. We conducted this study to evaluate the feasibility of utilising the preputial skin for the management of post-burn contractures of fingers in uncircumcised male children. Materials and Methods: Preputial skin was used for the coverage of released contractures of fingers in 12 patients aged 2-6 years. The aetiology of burns was "Kangri" burn in eight patients and scalding in four patients. Six patients had contracture in two fingers, four patients in one finger, and two patients had contractures in three fingers. Results: None of the patients had graft loss, and all the wounds healed within 2 weeks. All patients had complete release of contractures without any recurrence. Hyperpigmentation of the grafts was observed over a period of time, which was well accepted by the parents. Conclusions: Preputial skin can be used successfully for male children with mild-to-moderate contractures of 2-3 fingers for restoration of the hand function, minimal donor site morbidity.

Introduction: The commonest complication following hypospadias repair is occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula. The smaller fistulas (<2 mm) are easier to close with a simple closure whereas larger ones (>2 mm) with good vascular surrounding skin require a local skin flap closure for avoiding overlapping suture lines. For the recurrent/larger fistulas with impaired local surrounding skin - incidence of recurrence is significantly reduced by providing a waterproofing interposition layer. Aims : To study the effect of size, location, number of fistulas and surrounding tissues in selecting the procedure and its outcome. To identify various factors involved in the recurrence and to formulate a management in the cases where recurrence has occurred. Patients and Methods: This study of 35 cases of urethrocutaneous fistula repair was done from July 2006 to May 2009 to achieve better results in fistula management following hypospadias surgery. Statistical analysis used: χ2 test and Fisher's exact test. Results : The overall success rate for fistula repair at first attempt was 89% with success rates for simple closure, layered closure and closure with waterproofing layer being 77%,89% and 100%, respectively. The second attempt success rate at fistula repair for simple closure and closure with waterproofing layer were 33% and 100%, respectively. At third attempt the two recurrent fistulas were managed by simple closure with a waterproofing interposition layer with no recurrence. All the waterproofing procedures in this study had a success rate of 100%. Conclusions: The treatment plan for a fistula must be individualized based on variables which has an effect on the outcome of repair and to an extent dictates the type of repair to be performed. The significantly improved success rates with the addition of a waterproofing layer suggests the use of this interposition layer should be done at the earliest available opportunity to prevent a reccurence rather than to reserve it for future options.

This article describes the management of chemical burns to the Asian face with resultant full thickness loss to the right side of the face including the eyelid and nose. We detail the techniques used to reconstruct the face which include skin grafting according to the aesthetic units of the face, accurate placement of junction lines, use of a chondrocutaneous graft to reconstruct the alar grove and scalp strip grafting for eyebrow reconstruction. We obtained a successful result that minimised scar formation in the burnt Asian face.

Background: Although various techniques have been described for correction of crooked and saddle nose deformities, these problems are challenging with high recurrence and revision rates. Conventional septal surgery may not be adequate for nose reconstruction in crooked and saddle nose deformities. Materials and Methods: Between December 2005 and October 2009, six patients with crooked nose and five patients with saddle nose deformities underwent corrective surgery in our clinic. All patients were male, and the mean age was 21 years (range, 19-23 years). We used rigid radial bone graft to prevent redeviation and recurrence following corrective nasal septal surgery. Results: The mean follow-up period was 28 months, ranging from 18 to 46 months. Mean operation time was 4 hours (3-4.5). All patients healed uneventfully. None of the patients required secondary surgery. Conclusions: We believe that radial bone grafts offer a long lasting support in treatment of challenging cases with crooked and saddle nose deformities.

Eyelids are the protective mechanism of the eyes. The upper and lower eyelids have been formed for their specific functions by Nature. The eyelid defects are encountered in congenital anomalies, trauma, and postexcision for neoplasm. The reconstructions should be based on both functional and cosmetic aspects. The knowledge of the basic anatomy of the lids is a must. There are different techniques for reconstructing the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, and medial and lateral canthal areas. Many a times, the defects involve more than one area. For the reconstruction of the lid, the lining should be similar to the conjunctiva, a cover by skin and the middle layer to give firmness and support. It is important to understand the availability of various tissues for reconstruction. One layer should have the vascularity to support the other layer which can be a graft. A proper plan and execution of it is very important.

Obesity is a global disease with epidemic proportions. Bariatric surgery or modified lifestyles go a long way in mitigating the vast weight gain. Patients following these interventions usually undergo massive weight loss. This results in redundant tissues in various parts of the body. Loose skin causes increased morbidity and psychological trauma. This demands various body contouring procedures that are usually excisional. These procedures are complex and part of a painstaking process that needs a committed patient and an industrious plastic surgeon. As complications in these patients can be quite frequent, both the patient and the surgeon need to be aware and willing to deal with them.

Aim: An overview of a series of severe burn contractures in 44 hands reconstructed over a 20 month period with an easy to follow algorithm. Settings and Design: The series was carried out by a single surgeon at Green Pastures Rehabilitation Centre in Pokhara, Nepal. All patients attending with severe burn contractures to the hand were included in the series. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective review of burn contractures in a total of 44 hands. All the contractures involved limitation of movement by 60 degrees in two or more joints or by 80 degrees in one joint. The decision making process is presented as a flow chart indicating when and which flaps were used. Results: Illustrations demonstrate what was achieved, with all hands obtaining an improvement in function. Conclusions: Although many of these contractures can be dealt with by skin grafting the series clearly illustrates the indications for flap coverage.

Background: In past several years, traumas following road traffic accidents and other causes have increased, owing to an increase in mechanization and pace of life. These patients frequently have complicated injuries involving soft tissue and the craniofacial skeleton. Assessment of bony injuries and loss of portions of facial skeleton and their management has proved to be a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. Aims: Primary bone grafting of craniofacial skeletal injuries provides an opportunity for one stage correction of bony defects. The varied spectrum of primary bone grafts for management of craniomaxillofacial injuries are evaluated in this study. Materials and Methods: Patients with a history of acute trauma resulting in facial skeletal injuries with or without bone loss were included in the study. Primary bone grafting was undertaken in situations requiring contour correction, replacement of skeletal losses and for rigid fixation of fracture segments. Olecranon, Iliac crest, ribs, Vascularized as well as nonvascularized outer table calvarial grafts and nonvascularized inner table calvarial grafts were used in this study. Results: Sixty two patients of craniomaxillofacial injury following trauma requiring primary bone grafting were considered in this study. Fifty seven percent of patients (n=32) required primary bone grafting for replacement of bone loss while bone grafting for contour correction was done in twenty three patients. The parietal calvaria overlying the non-dominant hemisphere was used as a source of bone graft in forty-nine patients. Nearly ninety-two percent of the patients were satisfied with the results of primary bone grafting. Conclusions: Functional and aesthetic assessment of each of these patients, managed with primary bone grafting revealed a low rate of disabilities and high percentage of satisfaction in this study.

Objective: Palatal fistula is a significant complication following cleft palate repair. The guidelines of management of the palatal fistula is dependent on the type of cleft, site of fistula, condition of surrounding tissue and associated problem. We studied the management and outcome of 194 cleft palate fistula in our institute. Design: We present the descriptive hospital-based study of management of palatal fistula in 194 cleft patients. We have excluded all the syndromic children and children whose anterior palate was not operated as per protocol. Settings : Of 194 cleft palate fistula, 37 had palate repair in our hospital and 157 were refereed with fistula following palate repair.The patients were evaluated by interdisciplinary team and plan of management was decided. Result : Various parameters like types of cleft, site of fistula and management of fistula were studied in all the patients. Fifty-two percent were in unilateral CLP and 30% in bilateral CLP because unilateral CLP is the commonest type of cleft. Postalveolar and hard palate region contributing to 67% of all fistulae, followed by junctional in (9%). Seventy-two percent of fistula were amenable for repair by local available tissue, 28% needed tongue flap due to shortage of tissue. Minor numbers have failure of procedure for fistula closure needing further management. Conclusions : This descriptive study present analysis of management of fistula in our institute. It also reinforces that patient with bilateral cleft lip and palate more likely to have shortage of local tissue needing the local flaps like tongue flap compare to other cleft types. The surgical management of fistula can be combined to tackle the associated problems.

Background: Residual muscle weakness, cross-innervation (caused by misdirected regenerating axons), and muscular imbalance are the main causes of internal rotation contractures leading to limitation of shoulder joint movement, glenoid dysplasia, and deformity in obstetric brachial plexus palsy. Muscle transfers and release of antagonistic muscles improve range of motion as well as halt or reverse the deterioration in the bony architecture of the shoulder joint. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of shoulder muscle transfer for shoulder abnormalities in obstetric brachial plexus palsy. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty patients of obstetric brachial plexus palsy with shoulder deformity underwent shoulder muscle transfer along with anterior shoulder release at our institutions from 1999 to 2007. Shoulder function was assessed both preoperatively and postoperatively using aggregate modified Mallet score and active and passive range of motion. The mean duration of follow-up was 4 years (2.5-8 years). Results: The mean preoperative abduction was 45° ± 7.12, mean passive external rotation was 10° ± 6.79, the mean active external rotation was 0°, and the mean aggregate modified Mallet score was 11.2 ± 1.41. At a mean follow-up of 4 years (2.5-8 years), the mean active abduction was 120° ± 18.01, the mean passive external rotation was 80° ± 10.26, while the mean active external rotation was 45° ± 3.84. The mean aggregate modified Mallet score was 19.2 ± 1.66. Conclusions: This procedure can thus be seen as a very effective tool to treat internal rotation and adduction contractures, achieve functional active abduction and external rotation, as well as possibly prevent glenohumeral dysplasia, though the long-term effects of this procedure may still have to be studied in detail clinico-radiologically to confirm this hypothesis. Level of evidence: Therapeutic level IV

Background: Gynaecomastia is usually treated with liposuction or liposuction with excision of the glandular tissue. The type of surgery chosen depends on the grade of the condition. Objective: Because gynaecomastia is treated primarily as a cosmetic procedure, we aimed at reducing the invasiveness of the surgery. Materials and Methods: The technique complies with all recommended protocols for different grades of gynaecomastia. It uses liposuction, gland excision, or both, leaving only minimal post-operative scars. The use of cross-chest liposuction through incisions on the edge of the areola helps to get rid of all the fat under the areola without an additional scar as in the conventional method. Results: This is a short series of 20 patients, all with bilateral gynaecomastia (i.e., 40 breasts), belonging to Simon's Stage 1 and 2, studied over a period of 2 years. The average period of follow-up was 15 months. Post-operative complications were reported in only two cases, with none showing long-term complications or issues specifically due to the procedure. Conclusions : Cross-chest liposuction for gynaecomastia is a simple yet effective surgical tool in bilateral gynaecomastia treatment to decrease the post-operative scars. The use of techniques like incision line drain placement and post-drain removal suturing of wounds aid in decreasing the scar.

Background: From a historical perspective, many techniques of nipple reconstruction have been performed, including a graft from the contralateral nipple, composite grafts such as toe pulp or earlobe tissue and even an intra-dermal tattoo alone. This is the final stage of breast reconstruction, and is carried out only when the surgeon is confident that acceptable symmetry and shape of the reconstructed breast has been achieved. The technical challenges of nipple reconstruction include correcting position, maintaining adequate projection and creating an inconspicuous scar. An alternative to a surgically reconstructed nipple is the use of silicone prosthetic nipples. Materials and Methods: From August 2006 until September 2007, 80 cases of nipple/areola reconstruction were performed in our department (UDINE UNIV.) following mammary reconstruction or conservative breast surgery. Forty cases were carried out with the classical technique and another 40 cases with the introduction of our modification in the form of deepithelization of a semicircular area of the adjacent skin at the base of the flap. Postoperative follow-up as regards the nipple size, site, projection, symmetry and donnar scar were assessed. Patient satisfaction was also addressed and evaluated. Results: There were good to excellent results as regards nipple size, symmetry and projection. The technique is suitable for different autologous and implant reconstruction. The technique is an outpatient procedure, is easy and is not consuming time. Areolar graft from the contra-lateral areola is colouur matching and shows nearly no deference from the opposite one. Conclusions: Simple technique and not time consuming. Maintains the consistency and projection of the new nipple. Patient satisfaction. Minimal complication.

A 13 year old girl presented with aesthetic deformity of upper lip since birth. She also presented with eyelid swelling on and off for 11 months. She was diagnosed to be a rare case of Ascher syndrome. Ascher syndrome commonly presents with double lip and blepharochalasis, sometimes associated with goitre. The deformity of her double upper lip was corrected by appropriate surgery. Because her blepharochalasis is in active stage now, she is under periodic follow up for appropriate intervention. This article describes the management of the patient and brief overview of the syndrome. Ascher syndrome is often missed or misdiagnosed commonly.

Introduction: Venous ulcers of lower limbs are often chronic and non-healing, many a time neglected by patients and their treating physicians as these ulcers mostly do not lead to amputation as in gangrenous arterial ulcer and also cost much to complete the course of treatment and prevention of recurrence. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty two lower limb venous ulcers came up for treatment between May 2006 and April 2009. Only twenty nine cases completed the treatment. The main tool of investigation was the non invasive Duplex scan venography. Biopsy of the ulcer was done for staging the disease. Patients' choice of treatment was always conservative and as out-patient instead of hospitalisation and surgery, which required a lot of motivation by the treating unit. Results: Out of twenty nine cases, ten cases were treated conservatively and seven (24.13%) healed well. Remaining nineteen cases were given surgical modality in which fifteen cases (51.74%) were successful. Only seven cases (24.13%) failed to heal. Compression stockings were advised to control oedema, varices and pain. Foot care, regular exercises and follow-up were stressed effectively.

Background : The knowledge of Palmaris longus (PL) is a growing interest for its wide role in reconstructive plastic surgeries as a donor tendon for transfer or transplant. The prevalence of the PL agenesis has been well-documented by many authors in different ethnic groups or populations. Many conventional tests for determining the presence of the PL has been described, but lamentably there are many discrepancies in confirming its presence or absence. Slight modifications of the prevailing methods can still give authenticate results. Aim : This prospective study was conducted to determine the incidence of unilateral and bilateral agenesis of PL and its association with sex and side of the limb in the Andhra population of India. Materials and Methods : A total of 942 subjects of both sexes belonging to 18-23 years were used to access the PL using various tendon examination techniques including our modified Schaeffer's test. The data collected were analyzed by Pearsons χ2 test using SPSS software. Results : Overall agenesis of muscle in both sexes was 264 (28.0%), out of which 40.2% was seen in females and 14.7% in males with the ratio of 3:1. The unilateral agenesis was seen in 70.5% and bilateral agenesis in 29.5% subjects. The left side agenesis was seen in 51.6% and right side in 48.4% subjects. Conclusions : The prevalence of bilateral and unilateral agenesis was more common on left side with a greater likelihood in the female subjects. The proposed technique could bring better results in all subjects and can be implemented in manual examination of PL.

Background: Depressed scars in the neck pose a cosmetic problem. There is a need to fill the lost tissue volume defect between the surface and deeper tissues. It is preferable that the filling is done by autologous tissue which is available in substantial amount in the adjoining area. There should be no donor site morbidity. Platysma muscle flap meets these criteria. Materials and Methods: Platysma muscle flap was advanced into the defect after excision of depressed scar. The procedure was done under local anesthetic in two patients. Result: The result was a 'good scar' with scar lying in the transversely oriented neck lines. Conclusions: Platysma muscle flap has a definitive role in revision surgery of depressed scars in neck as it provides an ideal tissue for lost tissue volume.

Though giant cell tumor is not uncommon in young adults, simultaneous involvement of multiple mid-foot bones is very uncommon and very difficult to treat. For reconstruction of large segmental bony defects following tumour excision, free vascularized bone graft is an excellent surgical option. We report a case with extensive involvement of all the tarsal bones and metatarsal bases in a young adult. After excision his foot was reconstructed with vascularised bone flap. We were able to save his foot after a wide local excision and reconstruction with free fibula graft. Graft united early and showed excellent remodelling because of good vascularity. We feel that this method deserves consideration as a last attempt to salvage functional foot in disease like this.

Background: Wound closure is accomplished in most cases of myelomeningocele (MMC) by undermining of the skin edges surrounding the defect. However, large defects cannot be closed reliably by this simple technique. Due to the technical challenge associated with large MMC, surgeons have devised different methods for repairing large defects. In this paper, we report our experience of managing large defects, which we believe bears a direct relationship to decrease the incidence of wound complications. Materials and Methods: Forty children with large MMCs underwent surgical repair and represent our experience. We recommend using all hairy skin around the defect as a way to decrease the tension on the edges of the wound and the possible subsequent necrosis. It is our experience that vertical incision on one or two flanks parallel to the midline can decrease the tension of the wound. Moreover, ventriculo-peritoneal shunting for children who developed hydrocephalus was performed simultaneously, which constitutes another recommendation for preventing fluid collection and build up of pressure on the wound. Results: Patients in this study were in the age range of 2 days to 8 years. The most common location of MMC was in the thoracolumbar area. All but four patients had severe weakness in lower extremities. We used as much hairy skin around the MMC sac as possible in all cases. Vertical incisions on one or both flanks and simultaneous shunt procedure were performed in 36 patients. We treated children with large MMC defects with acceptable tension-free closure. Nonetheless, three patients developed superficial skin infection and partial wound dehiscence, and they were managed conservatively. Conclusions: We recommend using all hairy skin around the MMC defect for closure of large defects. In cases that were expected to be at a higher risk to develop dehiscence release incisions on one or two flanks towards the fascia were found to be useful. Simultaneous ventriculo-peritoneal shunting is also recommended in this cohort of patients, according to our experience. These recommendations neither prolong the time of surgery nor increase the cost, but facilitate a successful closure.

Aim: The effect of Tualang honey on wound healing in bacterial contaminated full-thickness burn wounds was evaluated in 36 male Sprague Dawley rats. Materials and Methods: The rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 12/group). Three full-thickness burn wounds were created on each rat. Each group of rats was inoculated with a different organism in the burn wounds: Group A was inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Group B was inoculated with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Group C was inoculated with Acinetobacter baumannii. One wound on each rat was dressed with either Tualang honey, Chitosan gel or Hydrofibre silver. Each wound size was measured on day 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 of the study. Results: The mean wound size of the Tualang honey-treated wounds was not statistically different than that of the Chitosan gel or Hydrofibre silver-treated wounds when the wounds were compared throughout the entire experiment (P > 0.05). However, comparing the mean wound size on day 21 alone revealed that the Tualang honey-treated wounds were smaller in comparison to that of the Chitosan gel and Hydrofibre silver-treated groups. Conclusions: This study shows that topical application of Tualang honey on burn wounds contaminated with P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii gave the fastest rate of healing compared with other treatments.

Background: Grip strength after wrist arthrodesis is reported to be significantly less than normal. One of the reasons suggested for this decrease in grip strength is that the arthrodesis was performed in a suboptimal position. However, there is no consensus on the ideal position of wrist fusion. There is a paucity of studies evaluating the effect of various fixed positions of the wrist on grip strength and therefore, there is no guide regarding the ideal position of wrist fusion. The authors' aim was to determine the grip strength in various fixed positions of the wrist and subsequently to find out in which position of wrist fusion the grip strength would be maximal. Materials and Methods: One hundred healthy adults participated in the study. For the purpose of this study, the authors constructed splints to hold the wrist in five different fixed positions: 45, 30 and 15 degrees of wrist extension, neutral and 30 degrees of wrist flexion. The grip strength in all the participants was measured bilaterally, first without a splint and then with each splint sequentially. Results: The average grip strength without the splint was 34.3 kg for right and 32.3 kg for the left hand. Grip strength decreased by 19-25% when the wrist was splinted. The maximum average grip strength with a splint on was recorded at 45 degrees of extension (27.9 kg for right and 26.3 kg for left side). There was a gradual increase in the grip strength with increase in wrist extension but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.29). The grip strength was significantly less in flexed position of the wrist (P < 0.001).

Context : Lymphangiomas are developmental anomalies presenting mainly in the first two years of life. Surgical excision has been the mainstay of treatment; however a potentially disfiguring surgery along with presence of important structures in the vicinity and infiltration into surrounding structures makes the dissection difficult. Aims : To study the safety and efficacy of Bleomycin as a sclerosing agent for lymphatic malformations in children. Settings and Design : Prospective non comparative nonrandomized trial. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in 15 children between Day 5 of life to 12 years of age who presented between May2008 to May 2009. Bleomycin aqueous solution was injected intralesionally at a dose not exceeding 0.6 to 0.8 mg. /kg Body wt. The response to therapy was monitored clinically by measuring the length, breadth and area as well as by measuring the two largest perpendicular dimensions. The response was graded as excellent [total disappearance], good [>50% reduction] and poor [<50% decrease]. Those patients with diffuse lymphangiomas associated predominantly with hemangiomatous malformations, mediastinal, spinal or retroperitoneal extensions, visceral lymphangiomas, those with infections were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis used: None applicable. Results: The reduction in the size of the mass usually took between two weeks to ten months. The average duration of follow up has been ten months. A significant response was seen in 8 out of the fifteen [53.33%] patients. 5 patients [33.33%] patients showed a good response to therapy and achieved >50% reduction in the size of their swellings. 2 patients [13.33%] showed a poor response to therapy and achieved less than 50% reduction in the size of the swelling. Complications of the therapy were few and far between. 2 patients developed fever after injection, one patients reported a transient increase in size of swelling, 2 patients have developed discoloration of the overlying skin and are currently being followed up for final outcome. None of the patients developed leucopenia or leukocytosis. All of the complications were managed with conservatively. Patients are on long term follow up to evaluate long term effects, if any.

Objective: Soluble CD163 (sCD163) has been previously shown to play a role in inflammatory and infectious diseases. This study, for the first time, investigates the characteristics and potential values of sCD163 in burn patients. A first look is taken on the changes of sCD163 levels in burn patients by comparing predefined subgroups at single time points. Materials and Methods: Serum samples of 18 patients with burn injuries were collected for biochemical analysis at the time of admission and in a chronological sequence of 12, 24, 48 and 120 h after the injury and were matched to clinical parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test, Wilcoxon signed rank and Pearson bivariate correlation. Results: Patients with sepsis showed a significant increase of sCD163 levels. sCD163 was correlated with leukocytes (P=0.035) over the time course of 120 h. Patients characterized by a burn size exceeding 25% of the total body surface area (TBSA) showed a significant increase of sCD163 between 12 and 48 h after burn injury (P=0.038). Conclusions: The first view on the characteristics of sCD163 in the serum of burn patients points out that sCD163 seems to be an early indicator for the susceptibility to sepsis. Furthermore, the changes in sCD163 serum levels within the first hours after burn trauma have great potential for early prediction of organ failure after burn injury.

Context: Following microvascular surgeries, stenosis and spasm of the arterial graft or the recipient vessel are serious complications which are often caused by intimal hyperplasia and perivascular nerves, respectively. Aims: The purpose of this study was to understand the characteristics of arterial wall and sympathetic innervation of the human superficial temporal artery (STA) and also, the effect of aging on STA. Methods and Materials: Fifty-two fresh human STA (frontal branch) samples were obtained from 26 cadavers (19 males and 7 females) between the ages of 19 and 83 years. Samples were divided into three age groups: G1, 19-40 years; G2, 41-60 years; G3, over 61 years. 5μm-thin sections of each sample were taken and stained with haematoxylin-eosin, Verhoff's and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunostaining. Results: The well-defined internal elastic lamina (IEL) was observed in all samples of STA, whereas external elastic lamina (EEL) was not prominent in almost all cases or absent in few cases. This might be the important factor in the process of intimal and medial hyperplasia in the frontal branch of STA. Notably, intimal thickening appeared from second decade of life. Sympathetic fibres are located mainly in tunica adventitia and outer media. Mean adventitial and sympathetic areas were found to be 0.080 and 0.010mm 2 , respectively. Statistical analysis used: One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD post hoc test by using the SPSS 11.5 software. Conclusions: STA is prone to age related pathological changes. Sympathetic index may be used for analysis of sympathetic fibre-related problems (vasospasm, migraine) of the STA.